Susan Kim 김수잔

@susankimyyj

🍞🌹🖖🐸 Opinions are my own. Retweets are not endorsements. she/they. Free Palestine. Peace and unity in Korea in our lifetimes. "Part-time" City Councillor in BC. Renter.

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Ist das dein Profil?Übernimm es — dann gehört dir susankimyyj.dirty.social.Profil übernehmen

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· 23d

When #yvrpoli Park Board candidate @saciab.bsky.social is in town, of course @peterrosegibbs.bsky.social and I were gonna meet up and dream of socialist futures together! @copevancouver.bsky.social, you’ve got an incredible human here.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jul 9

Gardiner: We also had a comment about whether the signage would overpower The Empress. Do we have schematics to see what the 'Telus' looks like from the corner intersection? Staff: Signage is below The Empress (seen in orange).

Architectural massing study showing a proposed redevelopment in downtown Victoria compared with surrounding buildings. An orange-shaded volume represents the main building mass across most of a large city block, while a blue-shaded upper section shows stepped-back upper floors. Nearby landmarks including the Chateau Victoria, DoubleTree Hotel, Marriott Hotel, City Life Suites, the Empress Hotel, Crystal Garden, Church of Our Lord, and Parkside Hotel are labeled for comparison. The diagram illustrates how the proposed building's height and massing relate to neighbouring hotel and residential buildings, with upper levels set back from the street-facing edges.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jul 9

Caradonna's amendments screenshot here. Alto asks staff if this impacts bylaw prep and work flow. Staff says no.

Screenshot of a council motion on proposed off-street mobility and parking bylaw changes. Several items recommending first and second readings of zoning amendments are crossed out and replaced with directions to reduce the proposed optional cash-in-lieu fee for residential parking by 50% in both the City of Victoria and Township of Esquimalt zoning bylaws. Other motion items include advancing related bylaws, referring zoning amendments to a public hearing, and directing staff to investigate ways to encourage public parking within private downtown developments where existing public parking may be displaced by redevelopment.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jul 9

Staff also raised that a lot of these measures are familiar to the development community.

Slide titled “Key Components of Off-Street Mobility Recommendations.” The slide outlines transportation demand management (TDM) measures that could be used to reduce required residential parking. Options include providing transit passes (EcoPASS), car-share memberships and vehicles, and adding 20% more bicycle parking. A table shows the parking reductions available in exchange: 20% for transit passes, 10% for car-share memberships alone, 25% for a full car-share package including a vehicle and parking stall, and 10% for additional bicycle parking. The proposal links lower parking requirements to transportation alternatives rather than mandatory parking minimums.

Slide titled “Key Components of Off-Street Mobility Recommendations.” The slide proposes an optional cash-in-lieu program allowing developers to pay a fee instead of providing some required parking spaces. The funds would be used to support public parking and active transportation infrastructure. A table shows proposed rates of $17,500 per space for rental housing and housing developments with 12 units or fewer, and $35,000 per space for all other developments. The proposal would give developers a financial alternative to building on-site parking while directing funds toward transportation projects.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jul 9

So much easier to screenshot the presentation.

Slide titled “Off-Street Mobility.” The slide distinguishes between managing transportation on private property and managing the curbside. On the left, off-street mobility is defined as off-street parking plus transportation demand management measures that encourage walking, cycling, and transit and reduce reliance on private vehicles. On the right, curbside management is defined as regulation of street-edge uses, including on-street parking, loading and deliveries, cycling and transit infrastructure, patios and parklets, and urban forestry. The slide emphasizes a shift from a parking-focused approach toward broader mobility planning.

Slide titled “Summary of New Regulatory Approach.” The slide explains the rationale for updating Victoria’s off-street mobility regulations. Bullets state the changes are intended to align parking and mobility rules with existing city plans and strategies, including GoVictoria, the Climate Leadership Plan, Accessibility Framework, Electric Vehicle Strategy, and Official Community Plan; respond to current and emerging mobility trends; and reflect council direction. An image of the Sustainable Mobility Strategy report cover on the right shows a cyclist and bus on a city street. City of Victoria branding appears in the lower-right corner.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jul 9

Back from lunch. We're onto bylaws, including the Amendment Bylaw for Off-Street Mobility Regulations. Onto the staff presentation.

Goals for Today
- recap of Council direction
- Introduce new regulatory approach
- summarize stakeholder engagement
- introduce bylaw amendments

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jul 9

Coleman: 30 units with bedrooms, correct? Staff: Yes. Coleman getting clarification from staff who confirm that the first five bullets need work, can accept the last bullet.

Slide titled “Variances.” A list of requested zoning variances includes increasing the permitted building height from 15 metres to 19.81 metres, reducing the rear yard setback from 3.0 metres to 0.3 metres, reducing the side yard setback from 3.0 metres to 0.25 metres, reducing required vehicle parking from 36 spaces to 7, reducing required short-term bicycle parking from 18 spaces to 12, and eliminating the requirement for a loading zone. The slide highlights multiple requests to relax existing zoning standards to accommodate the proposed development.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jul 9

Caradonna: Looks like only a corner of this offers industrial capacity. Did you talk to the proponent about increasing industrial capacity? Staff: Policy is to have 0.65 ratio of industrial in this area. Currently it's 50m^2. Policy desires 300-350m^2.

Slide titled “Ground Floor Plan.” A colour-coded floor plan shows that only a small portion of the ground floor is designated for industrial use (orange), confined to a few rooms in the upper-right corner of the building. In contrast, much larger areas are allocated to vehicle parking (purple), including multiple parking bays along the top and bottom of the plan, and long-term bicycle parking (blue), which occupies a substantial section of the southeast corner. A small short-term bicycle parking area (pink) appears near the southwest corner. The layout emphasizes that industrial space represents only a minor share of the overall ground-floor area.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jul 9

This takes onto the next land use item. 235 Russell St rezoning and development permit with variance application "to construct a 6-storey residential building and to rezone from the MR-R to a new zone in order to increase the permitted density and allow multi-unit residential uses at this location."

Architectural rendering of a six-storey mixed-use building with retail or commercial space at street level and apartments above. The façade combines dark cladding, warm wood-toned balcony frames, and extensive glazing. A dramatic vertical green wall of cascading plants runs down the centre of the building, with additional greenery along balcony edges and lower floors. The ground floor includes a central driveway or entry passage through the building, flanked by storefront-style windows and colourful mural panels. Pedestrians and a cyclist appear along the sidewalk in front of the building. Near the bottom of the image, text reads: “Build Farms • Planting & Trees First • Nature • Home to Civil.”

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jul 9

This is currently a big empty lot on the southwest corner of Fisgard and Blanshard. Staff presentation: "For this area the anticipated building height is 24 storeys... the proposal is for a slightly taller but narrower building."

Architectural rendering of a proposed high-rise tower at a downtown street corner. The building rises roughly 20 storeys above a multi-storey podium, with a modern glass-and-white façade featuring strong horizontal bands across each floor. Several upper levels include large recessed outdoor terraces with landscaping. The podium contains extensive glazing and wraps the corner site, with trees and widened sidewalks at street level. Surrounding mid-rise buildings, parked and moving vehicles, and pedestrians place the tower within an urban neighbourhood. Clear blue sky and distant views of the city and water are visible in the background.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jul 4

Alto continued. She speaks slow enough that I can actually capture a lot of the text quickly.

Alto's comments continue. Alt text cannot capture the entirety of the text, but the key final paragraphs are as follows:
“Are we frustrated at the pace of change? Of course we are. Are we realistic in the amount of resources, and the change in services, and the change in systems that are required in order to make it better? Yes, we’re practical and realistic. And that is why we continue to facilitate those conversations and convene those opportunities.
“The federal government will ask us later next year what our opinions are before they renew the exemption. That is typical. Local communities are always asked their opinion before those exemptions are renewed. The Council of the day will have an opportunity to weight in.
“Meanwhile, let us continue to save lives and do the best we can. We’re the people who need services and everyone else who understands the value of every person who lives in our community. I will not be supporting this motion.”

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 25

Gardiner attempts another amendment and looks to the Mayor for help with wording on the motion's #5, which is a provincial requirement according to staff. Alto seeks clarification. "What is your intent?... Seems you're trying to make things more proactive." Gardiner: The public IS interested.

"5. Consider which persons, organizations and authorities would be affected by the OCP amendments described in resolution 4 above and determine that property owners and businesses within the Urban Industrial Reserve would be primarily affected and some members of the public may be interested."

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 25

Onto the staff presentation.

Slide titled “Rationale.” Bullet points explain updating industrial zoning to align with Official Community Plan Urban Industrial Reserve policies, transitioning properties to Zoning Bylaw 2018, protecting and intensifying industrial land (including the Working Harbour, about 6% of city land), diversifying the local economy, increasing flexibility and viability, and replacing more than 30 older zones with three modern industrial zones. On the right, a map labeled “Industrial Zoning Distribution” shows areas of heavy, light, and marine industrial zoning across the city.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 25

This brings us onto staff reports. The Cannabis Room recommendation was handled on the consent agenda, so now we're onto the Zoning Bylaw Modernization program, Phase 2. Gardiner attempting to move a motion to extend speaking times from 10 minutes to 17 mins per Councillor. Hammond 2nds.

Slide titled “G.2 Zoning Bylaw Modernization – Phase Two (Addendum: Presentation).” Text explains a report on integrating new light and heavy industrial zones and making minor amendments to the Marine Industrial‑1 Zone. The focus is on updating industrial zoning for properties within the Official Community Plan Urban Industrial Land Reserve.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 25

Thompson: Bike lane westbound curves out quite dramatically. Staff: There's a temporary two-way bike lane at Foul Bay Road that ends at Bourchier. Bringing it around the corner helps improve visibility.

Site plan detail showing ground-floor layout and streetscape. Buildings labeled “A1” and “D2” face a sidewalk with landscaping and small trees. A note reads “3m ROAD DEDICATION” along the right edge beside a street. The frontage includes an exterior entrance, marked pathways, and a bike lane along the road. Crosswalk markings appear at the corner, and a narrow strip of green space buffers the sidewalk from the street.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 25

The location is in what's called the Jubilee Town Centre, specifically the "Town Centre" marked parcels in the area. Near two frequent transit networks and pedestrian connections. One block away from Oak Bay Rec (one of my fav places).

Architectural rendering labeled “Rendering” showing a mid-rise apartment building at a street corner. The six-storey structure features a mix of grey, white, and red exterior panels, with a prominent red section on the corner. Rows of balconies line most units, and large windows wrap the upper floors. Ground level includes a recessed entrance, landscaping, and a low fence. The street in front has cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, with trees and flowering plants along the sidewalk. The sky is blue with scattered clouds and birds in the distance.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 18

Slide titled “Conclusions & Next Steps.” A banner image at the top shows a modern multi-unit housing building with wood paneling and balconies. Bullet points below state: housing objectives were advanced through Phase Two of the Housing Strategy (2019–2025); continued focus, partnerships, and monitoring are needed; the next 10-year strategy will build on Phase Two achievements; and interim goal posts provide a coordinated, measurable framework for tracking progress.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 18

Note the shift from targets to goal posts.

Slide titled “Interim Housing Goal Posts 2026–28.” Left side notes alignment with Official Community Plan goal posts and provincial housing targets, plus the 2028 Housing Needs Report timeline. A table on the right lists annual targets: 997–1,330 total net new homes; 648–865 rental homes (including 348–465 non-market rentals); 348–465 ownership homes; 150–200 ground-oriented units; and 170–225 family-sized (3+ bedroom) homes.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 18

Staff: Housing strategy does not replace or duplicate the OCP. It's guided by the OCP. Will also better align housing targets with the OCP, reporting cycles, etc.

Slide titled “Next 10-Year Housing Strategy.” Text outlines goals for the 2026–2035 plan: review and renew housing goals and focus areas; ensure the strategy is data-driven and evidence-based; provide clear strategic direction for future housing actions; and integrate Community Safety and Wellbeing priorities.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 18

Staff: Missing Middle target was not met within the target timeframe, but recent changes will likely lead us to see increases.

Slide titled “6-Year Housing Targets Through 2025.” A table compares targets with overall achievement: 6,000 total new homes (107%); 2,100 new affordable non-market homes (90%); 1,900 new market rental homes (191%); 1,000 condominium strata homes (136%); 1,600 homes for families (135%); and 1,000 “missing middle” homes such as duplexes and townhomes (46%).

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 18

Hammond: If the applicant is not willing to go any further, what chance of success do you have under Option 1? Staff: Option 1 is a to have it come back to staff to work on it to become more eligible for staff delegation. Staff have tried to work with applicant to keep this on the delegated path.

ALTERNATE MOTIONS
Option 1 – Approve with Revisions
That Council direct staff to work with the applicant on a revised design of the site, that better aligns
with the applicable design guidelines and regulations in terms of lot coverage, landscaped area,
common outdoor amenity spaces and building setbacks.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 12

CSPC: This allowed increased flexibility and capacity to support folks who may have otherwise fallen through the cracks. CSPC is now offering some really beautiful testimonials.

Slide titled “Early Impacts of the City’s Investment.” Three columns summarize outcomes: Access to Financial Assistance notes $4,427 distributed, 9 Victoria residents supported, and help for households not eligible for Rent Bank loans. Increased Service Capacity lists higher volumes of subsidy referrals, improved response to urgent housing situations, and capacity to support clients needing intensive assistance. Reduced Barriers highlights individualized support to help clients access services.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 11

Slide titled “Recommendations” from Destination Greater Victoria. Left side lists goals: deliver 2,000 net new hotel rooms, de-risk and streamline hotel development, and minimize regional loss of hotel rooms. Right side lists six recommendations: apply targeted zoning and land-use policies; address permitting delays early; provide staff education and technical support; pursue First Nations hotel partnerships; attract regional hotel investment; and create supportive policies and financial tools for hotel conversion and revitalization.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· Jun 11

"Six factors impact the financial feasibility of hotel projects: Construction costs, market factors, policy & planning, operational factors, fees & taxes, development model."

Slide titled “Economic Impact Summary.” Text explains that adding 2,000 net new hotel rooms in Greater Victoria is projected to generate economic benefits, including 1,180 direct hotel jobs, 1,580 indirect jobs, about $85 million in annual wages, and over $100 million in annual visitor spending. It also lists projected annual tax revenues: $15.8 million municipal, $15.8 million provincial, and $17.9 million federal.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· May 28

Moving on to the Council Member Motion on increasing protections for Victoria renters. Thompson motivates in favour, referencing histories of downzoning and their impacts. While the vacancy rate in Vic is higher, people are still suffering.

"A Council Member Motion requesting staff to report back on opportunities to strengthen rental housing policies by evaluating bylaw compliance, the effectiveness of growth and zoning regulations in supporting rental development, tenant protections during redevelopment, support for pet ownership in rentals, rent and vacancy control measures across Canada, and potential rent-to-own programs that help tenants transition to homeownership."

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· May 28

No public hearing required. No loss of existing homes or tenant displacement.

Architectural rendering labeled “Attachment C” showing a mid-rise mixed-use building. The structure is about eight storeys with a symmetrical façade: red-brick sections with stacked balconies flank a lighter central vertical bay, and a lighter-toned section appears on the far right. Ground level includes retail storefronts with large windows and recessed entrances, with several small street trees and pedestrians along the sidewalk. Upper floors have repeating balcony patterns with dark railings. The sky is lightly clouded, and logos for Intracorp and Shape Architecture appear in the top-right corner alongside a “Revisions May 12, 2025” note.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· May 21

Read Hammond's motion and backgrounder here. pub-victoria.escribemeetings.com/filestream.a...

THAT Council direct staff to report back with options for possible bylaw amendments or other
measures to reduce unauthorized use of spray paint and similar graffiti implements, including
consideration of:
1. Retail sale or furnishing restrictions for minors;
2. Secure storage or staff-access-only display requirements for spray paint;
3. Point-of-sale signage and/or retailer education from the city;
4. Reasonable exemptions for parents or guardians, schools, employers, trades, artists, and
other legitimate uses;
5. Enforcement options;
6. Consultation with affected retailers, the Downtown Victoria Business Association, VicPD,
Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations, youth-serving organizations, the school district, arts
organizations, and/or neighbouring municipalities, as staff feel appropriate.
7. Legal authority, implementation costs, staffing impacts, compliance approach, timelines,
and potential unintended consequences.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· May 21

You can see the illustrated plan here: pub-victoria.escribemeetings.com/filestream.a...

A presentation slide titled “Exterior TELUS Signage.” On the left, a dusk architectural rendering shows a modern mid-rise building with a glass façade at a busy street corner. The building features illuminated TELUS signage: one sign mounted vertically near the top corner and another horizontal sign above a ground-floor entrance. The street below includes pedestrians, trees, cars, and storefronts, with warm interior lighting visible at street level.
On the right, a black-and-white site plan outlines the building footprint and surrounding streets. A bright pink line connects the signage locations on the rendering to a labeled point on the site plan marked “EXTERIOR TELUS SIGNAGE.” The layout visually links the building’s signage placement to its exact location on the site.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· May 21

Dell signals he wants to move the alternative recommendation.

ALTERNATE MOTION – Refer back to staff for revisions
1. That Council instruct staff to work with the applicant to revise the proposal for consistency with City policy and applicable guidelines, including reducing the height and density to improve
alignment with the OCP and DCAP, refer the proposal to the Advisory Design Panel, complete land lift analysis, and then return to a future Committee of the Whole meeting for Council’s consideration.

Susan Kim 김수잔@susankimyyj· May 21

Coleman: If I read this properly, across the street, a building could be 15 stories. And one block to the west is 15 storeys? Staff: Yes.